The Christian B. Anfinsen Papers

Title:

Letter from Christian B. Anfinsen to Anonymous

Description:

Although this draft of this letter is not addressed to a specific person, the final version was likely sent to Soviet leader
Konstantin Chernenko, who had recently succeeded Yuri Andropov. In it, Anfinsen encouraged better treatment for Soviet scientist
Yuri Orlav, who was jailed for "anti-Soviet agitation."

Once again, I have the sad task of participating in an appeal to you and your Government for a decrease in the severity of
treatment of Dr. Yuri Orlov. From what we hear, Dr. Orlov is now quite ill and continues to be at work in spite of his
condition. As a human being, he certainly deserves at least a limited opportunity to be seen by physicians and dentists,
and treated according to his needs. He must, by now, certainly have repaid the U.S.S.R. for what was really quite a mild
misdemeanor -- so-called anti-Soviet agitation. As I remember, Professor Orlov's early efforts were concerned with attempts
to monitor the agreements into which the U.S.S.R. had entered in Helsinki together with a large number of other nations. I
sincerely believe that Dr. Orlov performed in this manner for his country, not against it. I do hope that you will be able
to be of some help to him.